Largest Political Convention in State Coming to Fort Wayne

Largest Political Convention in State Coming to Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne has attracted the attention of the largest political convention in the state of Indiana.

"Anything the Allen County Republican Part can do to enhance an already great city, we will do that." - Steve Shine

Fort Wayne has attracted the attention of the largest political convention in the state of Indiana. For the very first time the 2014 Republican Convention will be held outside of Indianapolis.

Local Republican Leaders made some announcements that will attract thousands to the Fort Wayne area as WFFT's Charnae Davenport reports with more on the economic impact this convention will have on the city.

Fort Wayne has hosted state political conventions before but never for the Republican Party. It's expected to bring thousands of people which translates into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The Indiana State Republican Convention. It's a first for Fort Wayne and the first time Republican Leaders won't head to Indianapolis for it.

The weekend of June 6th will be a busy one, with close to 1800 delegates and their families filling up hotels and utilizing attractions.

Bill Bean is the Co-Chairman of the State Convention. He says the conventions approach is also different.

"People came, did their statutorial duties and then they left and went home. We're trying to change that."

Different venues like Parkview Field and the Embassy Theater are hosting events to entertain the guests. Also, buses will transport convention goers to different attractions around the city like to the Zoo, both malls and restaurants.

"Local Host Committees are working really hard to try and get the delegates to come in early in the business functions and stay late."

Dan O'Connell at Visit Fort Wayne expects this weekend to bring in a lot of people and money.

"We estimate the economic impact to be over $350,000 dollars."

Steve Shine is the Chairman of the Allen County Republican Party and says, "Anything the Allen County Republican Part can do to enhance an already great city, we will do that."

Local Republican Leaders also announced the two keynote speakers for the first night of the convention. Fort Wayne will welcome Fox News Host, Mike Huckabee and the National Republican Committee Chair, Reince Priebus. To wrap up the weekend, a major musical act is expected to perform at the Embassy Theater for the delegates and that name will be released at a later time.

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